Aoi Hana Episode 1

Chikan (痴漢, チカン, or ちかん) is a Japanese term meaning “molester” or “pervert”; the term is frequently used to describe people who take advantage of the crowded conditions on the public transit systems to touch girls. As part of the effort to combat chikan, some railway companies have designated women-only passenger cars.

In fact, this paraphilia is so prevalent that there is chikan densha service >.>

“Shibuya Pink Girl’s Club” offers a chikan densha, or pervert train. The “groper’s course” starts at ¥12,000 ($130), where the connoisseur picks out from the menu the girl of his choice, dressed either as a schoolgirl or office receptionist. This girl then beckons him through the window of a mock-up train carriage, which not only broadcasts station announcements, but even shakes and rattles. For the next 45 minutes the connoisseur is under no risk of arrest as he gropes to gay abandon—before joining the slumberers on one of the last real trains home. (Source)

Impressions

I was pleasantly surprised by the first episode because Shichiro Kobayashi‘s art, Takefumi Haketa‘s music, and Kenichi Kasai‘s directing far outweighed inadequate character design transition from the manga due to relatively poor hair rendition.

I am impressed by Kobayashi’s productivity: he also was an art director for Umi Monogatari and Taishō Yakyū Musume this season, and he’ll turn 77 in a couple of months 🙂 It is a pleasure to watch his soft natural backgrounds.

Haketa worked on sevral slice-of-life anime before, so it is no wonder his guitar and piano music fitted the atmosphere well. The opening song by Kukikodan is nice also 🙂

I also enjoyed Kasai’s directing. One of the interesting characteristics I noticed is relatively frequent focus on objects with the conversation in the background rather than on people’s faces. I especially like the attention payed to hands and feet.

Overall, I enjoyed the first episode and will consider covering the show regularly, but I have not decided yet.

Published by Kitsune

10 thoughts on “Aoi Hana Episode 1”

holy, I didn’t know art director is 77 years old. 0_0 I’m surprised by what he can pull off. I was also worried about the character design at first, but actual episode really blew my worry away. Definitely going to continue this one. ^^